What is myofascial release? The word ‘myo’ means muscle and ‘fascia’ means band. Fascia is a strong but very flexible connective tissue which envelopes every structure (organs, muscles, tendons, bones) of the body, providing support and protection. The myofascia can get tears in them and if they don’t heal properly, the various layers of fascia […]
Author: Clare Axon Saunders
Pilates Footwork on the Reformer
The Pilates footwork on the Reformer is a fundamental section in a Pilates workout. Footwork is often the first series of exercises to be taught on the reformer but despite this it shouldn’t be mistaken for a basic exercise. Although called footwork, it actually encompasses the whole body; in particular the spine and pelvic position […]
The Pilates Roll Down
Although not one of the original Pilates exercises, the Roll Down is one of the most basic exercises and can highlight many weakness or imbalances within the body. I will very often use the Pilates Roll Down (as opposed to a yoga roll down) as a warm up exercise in my classes and is a […]
7 Minute Workout v Pilates
With everyone being so short on time these days, a seven minute work out to get you fit is surely a good thing. Right? Well, it’s not quite so simple but it isn’t a bad place to start. What is the 7 Minute Workout? The 7 minute workout was devised by the Human Performance Institute […]
Pilates – Mindfulness in Movement?
“The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning is complete co-ordination of body, mind and spirit”. Joseph Pilates What is Mindfulness? Have you ever turned on the television to watch a program and then become distracted by thoughts about your day, problems, life, etc and realised you haven’t seen or heard anything of the program you […]
The Benefits of Pilates
The Benefits of Pilates. If you haven’t heard of Pilates, where have you been?! Pilates is having its moment in the spotlight right now, with celebrities such as Madonna and Lady Gaga extolling its virtues and who can forget Pippa Middleton’s Pilates bottom? So what makes Pilates so great and why should you do it? […]
Pilates for Horse Riders – Part 1: The Importance of Breath
Numerous horse riders are beginning to use Pilates as part of their goal to improve their horse riding. Pilates and horse riding have many similar aspects and compliment each other very well. Horse riding, and particularly the ‘classical seat’, promotes good posture, a strong core andflexibility of the spine as well as balance and mindfulness. All of these are improved […]